Over The Rainbow

A young couple with five children lives three doors South from our home in Decatur. The father is the musical director at a local Baptist church. Their two older boys (15 & 12) do some yard work for me and the oldest daughter (14) does some house chores for my wife. Needless to say, over the past three years we have come to know the family very well. The parents are most engaging and the children are very well-mannered

The daughter, Chloe, shared with us about one year ago that her dear childhood friend whom she has known since kindergarten was diagnosed with some serious form of cancer and had gone to St. Jude's for treatment. Periodically, we have been given updates regarding the young fourteen year old's cancer battle. Earlier this week while Chloe was busy about her house work for us, Gerry thought the young girl seemed particularly quiet and preoccupied in thought. Suddenly, Chloe's older brother came into our house and asked Gerry, "Miss Gerry, did Chloe tell you that her friend passed away yesterday."

When a young life leaves our midst prematurely it stirs emotions, depression and confused thinking. The death event of the young screams at us that 'things are out of order?' 'This isn't normal!' 'This ain't right!' Unfortunately, we all can relate to those thoughts, which are currently hammering inside of fifteen year old Chloe's head.

The wake visitation and funeral has specific requests from Chloe's departed friend. Those wishes? "Please don't cry I am with Jesus. Please don't wear black but celebrate my life with rainbow colors."

May our God comfort and bless all who suffer such loss.
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Over The Rainbow